San Francisco – Bruce Bochy returned to Oracle Park for the first time since his retirement in 2019. His Texas Rangers are in town for a three-game series against his former team where he managed the San Francisco Giants for 13 years where he earned three World Series and a total of 1,052 wins.
The Skipper arrived to the ball park early and resumed some of his old habits as if he were still the Giants manager. He went fishing as he used to the day before game and felt nostalgic when walking past his old residence across the street from the ballpark where he and his family lived for 13 years.
Bochy spoke with the media before the game and talked about how grateful he was to be apart of such a great organization. He and his family had the time of their lives during his run as the skipper. In fact, Bochy wished he could’ve thanked San Francisco fans and the team, especially on his last day as the manager. He recalled how tough that day was and how emotional he became.
CEO of the Giants, Larry Baer also spoke fondly of the good times when Bochy was the manager.
“Obviously it’s full circle,” said Baer. “Aside from the gratitude, to have anybody manage or coach a team for 13 years, let alone five years or ten years in professional sports is spectacular. There’s a love affair between him and the city, there’s a love affair between the city and him. It was a love affair between all of us in and around the organization because there was no “I” in him, it was always about “we” and how we can pull together.
He knew how to pull people together, so I miss him a ton. But, we also realize time marches on and everybody is replotting themselves.”
The Giants recognized Bochy with a video tribute bottom of the 3rd inning. Bochy guided San Francisco to three World Series titles in 2010, 2012, and 2014. The Giants championship in 2010 was their first in San Francisco history since 1958) and their first overall since the New York Giants won in 1954. Bochy had the second-most managerial wins behind Hall of Famer John McGraw.
During the introductions Bochy received a rousing standing ovation from the fans. He stepped out of the dugout and tipped his cap. Bochy said earlier he wanted to make sure he spends time with the fans and that he did. He hung out with as many people as he could while taking photos during batting practice. Bochy also met with former employees, staff and management.
“That was really, really cool for me, and the fans, I can’t thank them enough,” Bochy said after the game. “They’ve been so great to me, and you never know how you’re going to be received when you come back. It’s a little emotional. It’s a big game so I try to be locked in on that but still pretty cool.”
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